Vaginal atrophy. Why didn't someone warn me?
There’s a long list of things nobody warns you about when you go through cancer treatment. It is fairly well known that chemotherapy, radiation therapy and significant surgery all carry risks and sid...
Forum Discussion
Hi @positive3negative thank goodness you did write this post.
I have had vaginal atrophy since the beginning of menopause.
I also have Urge incontinence and bladder problems caused by it.
I have been to a Urologist and Gynaecologist, had a bladder endoscopy and dilation, been on Oestrogen pessaries and low dose HRT to try and help the symptoms and then, of course, got Breast cancer!
The Chemo made the vaginal dryness much worse.
And thank you @primek, I never considered the nerves there might have been affected by the neuropathy, because it sure doesn't work like it used to. I am only a couple of months out of chemo, so I pray that improves.
My GP will not consider allowing me back on the low dose Oestrogen pessaries as she considers it too risky as my cancer is ER +ve. They really helped though, so perhaps if you are not hormone positive they are a possibility.
Currently I am using Vagisil wash, Replens lubricant, and think I might get the external lubricant too.
I did not know the dryness could cause the wetting of the thighs during urination.
That started for me during chemo and I couldn't understand why, I though it might have been a weight issue. I will try the external lubricant and see if it helps that.
I have to use panty liners or incontinence pads anyway (because although I am on medication for the Urge incontinence, the stress incontinence is unpredictable) so the lubricant coming out is not too much of an issue. I use it before I go to sleep and then the only time it tends to leak is first thing in the morning.
I do resent the cost!
Perhaps if you use the Replens or similar just wear a panty liner that night so the mess doesn't cause a problem.
No, I wasn't warned about any of this either. And I tend to find that even if there are warnings of symptoms or side effects from the medical side, "uncomfortable" doesn't even begin to describe it.
I have had vaginal atrophy since the beginning of menopause.
I also have Urge incontinence and bladder problems caused by it.
I have been to a Urologist and Gynaecologist, had a bladder endoscopy and dilation, been on Oestrogen pessaries and low dose HRT to try and help the symptoms and then, of course, got Breast cancer!
The Chemo made the vaginal dryness much worse.
And thank you @primek, I never considered the nerves there might have been affected by the neuropathy, because it sure doesn't work like it used to. I am only a couple of months out of chemo, so I pray that improves.
My GP will not consider allowing me back on the low dose Oestrogen pessaries as she considers it too risky as my cancer is ER +ve. They really helped though, so perhaps if you are not hormone positive they are a possibility.
Currently I am using Vagisil wash, Replens lubricant, and think I might get the external lubricant too.
I did not know the dryness could cause the wetting of the thighs during urination.
That started for me during chemo and I couldn't understand why, I though it might have been a weight issue. I will try the external lubricant and see if it helps that.
I have to use panty liners or incontinence pads anyway (because although I am on medication for the Urge incontinence, the stress incontinence is unpredictable) so the lubricant coming out is not too much of an issue. I use it before I go to sleep and then the only time it tends to leak is first thing in the morning.
I do resent the cost!
Perhaps if you use the Replens or similar just wear a panty liner that night so the mess doesn't cause a problem.
No, I wasn't warned about any of this either. And I tend to find that even if there are warnings of symptoms or side effects from the medical side, "uncomfortable" doesn't even begin to describe it.